Beta 2 antagonism in acute respiratory failure

Abstract

Post hoc analyses from the B-type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of Breath Evaluation (BASEL)-II-ICU study suggest an association between beta-blocker usage at admission and improved mortality in patients treated in the intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure. Although this evidence is encouraging, there is a need for a phase 2 proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial of beta-blocker therapy in patients admitted with acute respiratory failure. © 2010 BioMed Central Ltd.